The Crown has cast the remaining royal family for its third season

Even though it feels like season two of The Crown has just left our screens, we’re already looking forward to its third season – and mourning the loss of its stars from the episodes ahead.

It was announced last year that the second season would be the current actors’ last, with the characters recast to older actors to reflect the passing of time – something that is set to happen every two seasons.

With Claire Foy and Matt Smith leaving impossibly big shoes to fill, fans have been obsessed with news of The Crown castings, from who will take on the role of Princess Margaret to whether the Queen’s corgis will remain the same.

Netflix

Olivia Coleman was the first actress confirmed for season 3, coming onboard as Queen Elizabeth and Helena Bonham Carter was announced just weeks ago to be playing her sister, Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby. Even Game of Thrones actor Tobias Menzies is coming onboard to take the Prince Philip baton from Matt Smith.

In short – it already sounds amazing.

More exciting announcements from The Crown came this week however, as it was announced that the rest of the royal family characters had been cast.

Josh O’Connor in The Durrells. Credit: REX

The Durrells star Josh O’Connor has been announced as our new Prince Charles and Vera Drake actress Marion Bailey has just been confirmed to play the Queen Mother.

Marion Bailey. Credit: REX

’It’s wonderful to be joining The Crown,’ explained the recently cast actress. ‘It’s a brilliant show and we have a tough act to follow but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother. Thrilled to be on board and working with such a top-notch team.’